Lorrie Popik and Rae Guillermo’s friendship began 40 years ago when they were sorority sisters at the University of Northern Iowa. This bond has since served as the foundation for The Dessert Mixologist, a business specializing in fun desserts with a twist. After graduation from UNI, Lorrie and Rae pursued their careers while maintaining a […]
The Dessert Mixologist, Fairfield Lee mas "
Bailey Bruning fell in love with the world of beauty when she was a little girl. This love, paired with her family’s unwavering support, led her to pursue a career as a licensed esthetician, and on January 1, 2025, Bailey opened the doors to Freckled Esthetics. When naming her business, Bailey wanted something unique that
Freckled Esthetics, Council Bluffs Lee mas "
Jeremy Empie began his journey in web design back in 1997 when he volunteered at a youth outreach center. The center’s director approached Jeremy and another volunteer, asking, “If I gave you four weeks of training, two hours a week, would you create the website?” This experience sparked Jeremy’s passion for web design and planted
Jeremy Empie Web Design, Oskaloosa Lee mas "
Early Morning Harvest began as a hobby that has since transformed into a premier aquaponic produce farm and organic grain mill. In 1993, Jeff Hafner and his father, Earl, began farming together. Jeff had purchased the acreage where his grandparents lived and farmed for many years prior. After farming the land for a few years,
Early Morning Harvest, Panora Lee mas "
Piece and Freedom Bakery, a Ukrainian-owned bakery, brings the flavors of Kyiv, Ukraine, to Ames, Iowa. Originally only found at farmers markets, the bakery’s brick-and-mortar location is set to open on January 11th, 2025. Piece and Freedom Bakery is a family business devoted to its mission of uniting communities. The bakery is owned by two
Piece and Freedom Bakery, Ames Lee mas "
After many years in the public school system, sister-in-laws Alena Phillips and Jamie Porter began exploring outside opportunities. They loved teaching, but the public school system that they were a part of was not conducive to their lifestyles. After exploring different avenues, Alena and Jamie established HomeGrown Christian Learning Center in March 2023. They began
HomeGrown Christian Learning Center, Osceola Lee mas "
In the Spring of 2006, Mike and Melanie Seals took a leap of faith and planted a strawberry field. Since then, they have expanded their operations and opened Country Roads Meat Market. Their journey has been full of ups and downs, but their strong foundation of faith has kept them steady. Beginnings For 17 years,
Country Roads Meat Market, Centerville Lee mas "
Alex Pettit, PharmD, grew up in Union County and knew he wanted to return there after schooling. So, after Alex finished schooling, he returned to Union County and joined the Medicap Pharmacy team in Creston, IA. When asked about why he wanted to purchase the pharmacy, Alex said that he “knew a couple of years
Medicap Pharmacy, Creston Lee mas "
Bella Capelli, owned and operated by Jenay Sullivan in Hiawatha, is a salon with nine individual suites that provide a unique experience for each client. Becoming a cosmetologist was a lifelong dream for Jenay. By twelve years old, she was set on going to cosmetology school to become a hairstylist. To kickstart her career, Jenay
Bella Capelli, Hiawatha Lee mas "
Opened in 2023, Maxsimizer Welding is a professional welding, metal fabrication, and machine workshop based in Cedar Rapids, IA. Behind the scenes is Max Franks, an experienced welder and fabricator. In 2012, right after high school, Max began his welding career. After a few years in the industry, he shifted his focus to heavy equipment
Maxsimizer Welding, Cedar Rapids Lee mas "
